Travel stories of Columbus

Your Date Night Guide to 8 Columbus Neighborhoods

April 3, 2014

Need a fresh idea for a night out in Columbus? We’ve got a date-night plan for each of these 8 great Columbus districts!

GERMAN VILLAGE – Start your night in German Village, Columbus’ premiere historic neighborhood, strolling down the brick streets to Lindey’s (grab a table on the patio) for a classic dinner, and then browse the 32 rooms of the Book Loft – open daily until 11 p.m.

SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT – Art is everywhere in the Short North – from the wallscape murals and art galleries to on the plate at dozens of restaurants. Begin your night with a peek at the impressive artwork inside the Pizzuti Collection, then grab a Moscow mule and a plate of oysters at The Pearl. Choose dinner at the laid back Forno, and then cap off the evening with a scoop or two of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

4th STREET – Columbus’s newest district, on the south end of downtown also might be it’s most eclectic, with gourmet hot dogs, old school video games and killer margaritas all residing within a half block of each other. Soak in the swanky 50s vibe and a dirty martini at Little Palace, then head one door down for a plate of delicious tacos at El Camino. Wrap up your night playing classic arcade games like Ms. Pacman at 16 Bit Bar.

FRANKLINTON – This district may be up-and-coming from a nightlife perspective but it’s actually the birthplace of Columbus, more than 200 years ago. Start your evening with a local beer at Land-Grant, then check out the indie art scene at 400 W. Rich Street. Cap your night with dinner and drinks at hot-spot Strongwater Food & Spirits.

GAY STREET – Located on a street at the north end of downtown, Gay Street has seen a boom in cool local businesses over the past half-decade. Get a decadent Café Cubano from Brioso, then shop a unique blend of local stores, including Zeroz, where minimalist wallets are made on-site. Have a memorable Italian feast at Due Amici. If you’re lucky enough to be here on the second Saturday of the month, Moonlight Market is a must-see. Dozens of local artisans sell unique products until 11 p.m.

BREWERY DISTRICT – The home of Columbus’ pre-Prohibition beer industry, this neighborhood remains a great spot to grab a pint. Columbus Brewing Company is known for its IPAs. Next, catch a show at Shadowbox Live, America’s largest resident theater company. Then stroll over to High Street for a great dinner at Arepazo Tapas and Wine, and finish your night off with darts or pool at High Beck Tavern.

EASTON TOWN CENTER – Ohio’s largest shopping center is also one of the Midwest’s best. Have a day-date at Easton, starting with breakfast at local favorite Northstar Café (you NEED to try the cloud-nine pancakes.) Then shop national brands with local connections, like Victoria’s Secret, The Limited and Abercrombie & Fitch, before sitting down to drinks at Cooper’s Hawk Winery. As the sun sets, grab a table at Mitchell’s Ocean Club for a spectacular dinner.